Easy Southern Style Mac And Cheese
EASY SOUTHERN STYLE MAC AND CHEESE is a easy Southern American recipe that serves 6. 950 calories per serving. Recipe by UNAPOLOGETICALLY AVIS on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 27 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $11.50 total, $1.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni (dry pasta)
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon (adds savory flavor to cooking water)
- 0.5 stick Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 12 oz Evaporated Milk (full‑fat, canned)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
- 8 oz Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz White Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
Shred the Cheeses
Using a box grater, shred the Monterey Jack, white cheddar, and sharp cheddar onto a large plate.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Elbow Macaroni
Fill a large pot with water, add the chicken bouillon cube, and bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain in a colander but do not rinse.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: boiling
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream until smooth. Add all shredded cheeses and stir continuously until fully melted and the sauce is glossy.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the drained macaroni to the baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and gently toss with a spatula until every piece is coated.
Time: PT3M
Optional Broil for a Golden Top
Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top (optional) and place the dish under the broiler for 3‑5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: broiler
Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven, let it rest for 2 minutes to set, then serve hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 950
- Protein
- 45g
- Carbohydrates
- 60g
- Fat
- 60g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: cavatappi, shells
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon: vegetable bouillon, no bouillon
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: whole milk (use 1 cup)
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: half‑and‑half
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: mozzarella
- Instead of White Cheddar Cheese: mild cheddar
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: aged cheddar
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Baking Dish
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Box Grater
- Oven with Broiler
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not rinse the cooked noodles
- Melt cheese over medium heat to avoid scorching
- Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, toast the butter in the saucepan before adding liquids
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle Southern kick
- Use a mix of cheeses for balanced melt and flavor
Troubleshooting
Sauce is grainy
Keep the heat low and stir continuously; add a splash of milk if needed to smooth it out.
Noodles are soggy
Do not overcook the pasta and drain promptly; avoid letting them sit in the pot after cooking.
Cheese does not melt fully
Use shredded cheese and melt over medium heat, adding a little extra cream to help it liquefy.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Can freeze for up to 2 months; reheat gently and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the mac and cheese up to a day ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving
- If freezing, wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Southern‑style mac and cheese in American Southern cuisine?
Southern‑style mac and cheese evolved from early 20th‑century comfort food traditions, blending Italian pasta with rich Southern dairy products. It became a staple at family gatherings and holiday meals, symbolizing indulgent hospitality in the South.
What are the traditional regional variations of Southern‑style mac and cheese across the Southern United States?
In Louisiana, cooks often add a dash of Creole seasoning and use pepper jack; in Georgia, a breadcrumb topping is common; in Texas, smoked meats like bacon are mixed in. Each region tweaks the cheese blend and toppings to reflect local tastes.
How is Southern‑style mac and cheese traditionally served during Thanksgiving in the Southern United States?
It is typically baked in a large casserole, topped with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and placed on the buffet table alongside turkey, collard greens, and sweet potatoes. It’s served hot and often the first side dish guests reach for.
What occasions or celebrations is Southern‑style mac and cheese traditionally associated with in Southern American culture?
Beyond Thanksgiving, it appears at Christmas, New Year’s gatherings, church potlucks, and backyard barbecues, where its creamy richness complements grilled meats and fried foods.
How does Southern‑style mac and cheese fit into the broader Southern cuisine tradition?
It embodies the Southern love of buttery, dairy‑rich dishes and the practice of turning simple pantry staples into hearty, crowd‑pleasing comfort foods, much like biscuits, gravy, and fried chicken.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Southern‑style mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include elbow macaroni, butter, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and a blend of Monterey Jack, white cheddar, and sharp cheddar. Acceptable substitutes are other short pasta shapes, half‑and‑half for cream, or mozzarella in place of Monterey Jack.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern‑style mac and cheese at home?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, rinsing the noodles (which removes starch needed for sauce adhesion), cooking the cheese sauce over high heat (causing graininess), and leaving the dish under the broiler unattended, which can burn the cheese.
Why does this Southern‑style mac and cheese recipe use evaporated milk and heavy cream instead of regular milk?
Evaporated milk and heavy cream provide a richer, thicker base that yields a luxuriously creamy sauce without becoming watery. The combination also adds a subtle caramelized flavor that regular milk alone cannot achieve.
How do I know when the Southern‑style mac and cheese is done cooking and ready to serve?
The dish is ready when the pasta is al dente, the cheese sauce coats every noodle smoothly, and, if broiled, the top is golden‑brown and bubbling. A brief 2‑minute rest lets the sauce set for clean plating.
What does the YouTube channel UNAPOLOGETICALLY AVIS specialize in?
The YouTube channel UNAPOLOGETICALLY AVIS specializes in bold, unapologetic home‑cooking tutorials that focus on classic American comfort foods with a Southern twist, often featuring holiday‑themed series.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel UNAPOLOGETICALLY AVIS?
UNAPOLOGETICALLY AVIS emphasizes straightforward, no‑fluff recipes that prioritize flavor, generous portions, and accessible techniques, encouraging viewers to embrace indulgent dishes without over‑complicating the process.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
